Üsküdar University, with its social innovation model-based projects and social entrepreneurship approach developed under its vision of social contribution, visited the Ministry of Interior in Ankara. In the strategic program that brought together public, academic, and civil society stakeholders playing a significant role in Türkiye’s development, Üsküdar University’s projects earned great appreciation with their tangible impact and sustainable approaches, achieving remarkable success.
The projects, which offer innovative solutions to social problems and focus on the disadvantaged segments of society, present unique models of social contribution in many areas such as youth, women, children, family, aging, disaster preparedness, and post-disaster psychosocial support.
The initiatives led by the university not only produce solutions but also leave lasting impacts aimed at strengthening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Contributions to Türkiye’s social development goals were discussed
During the program, the contributions of projects such as “Disaster-Resilient Households,” “Village by Village Rumelia,” “Just a Call Away,” and the Malatya-based “365 Days Family,” as well as the “YAŞAMKOR – Sustainable Independent Living Protection” Project by President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, and the projects coordinated by Asst. Prof. Ayhan Özşahin, Faculty of Medicine’s Social Contribution Representative, to Türkiye’s social development goals were discussed.
The projects, carried out under the academic consultancy of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan and the project cycle management mentorship of Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar, Social Contribution Coordinator, stood out in the promotional and collaboration meetings held in Ankara for their original methods based on scientific foundations, interdisciplinary approaches, and direct field impact.
Aim to scale up projects to national and policy levels
During these meetings, new collaboration opportunities emerged with organizations such as “Hayat Boşluk Kabul Etmez” Association chaired by Dr. Mustafa Uzun, member of the Presidential Health Policies Council, “Valuable Lives Association (DEHA-DER)” chaired by Mine Yeter, and the “Turkish World Children Foundation,” whose Founding President and Board of Trustees Member is Prof. İlyas Topasakal, Member of Parliament for Samsun. The aim is to scale these projects to a national level and integrate them into policy development.
In a meeting with Selim Serkan Ercan, Vice President of KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization), the requirements and collaboration opportunities for establishing a ‘TEKMER’ (Technology Development Center) at Üsküdar University were evaluated.
Recognized as an exemplary academic model
These initiatives drew attention as proof that universities can act not only as centers of knowledge production but also as active solution partners in the social development of society. Üsküdar University’s vision of social innovation left a strong impression in Ankara as an exemplary academic model contributing to Türkiye’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)